Behind the Scenes
The Symposium, a curricular component of the Longwood Graduate Program, requires over six months of planning and draws upon the efforts of all ten Longwood Graduate Fellows. Topic, title, speakers, marketing strategies, and all other aspects of the day are determined and coordinated by the Fellows, with the assistance of Graduate Program and Longwood Gardens’ staff.
Responsibility for planning and executing the Symposium is divided among several committees. Below is a list of the Fellows serving on each Committee as well as their key responsibilities.
Speakers Committee:
Andrew Gapinski (Chair), Kate Baltzell, Shari Edelson, Zoe Panchen
Researches and recommends potential speakers
Serves as primary contact for all speakers
Assists with travel arrangements for speakers
Produces proceedings
Marketing Committee:
Jon Pixler (Chair), Laura Aschenbeck, Rebecca Pineo
Creates Symposium branding
Develops promotional strategies
Creates advertisements, save-the-date card, magnet, and brochure
Develops and maintains the Symposium website
Guest Relations Committee:
Dongah Shin (Chair), Dan Stern (Sponsorship Chair)
Coordinates the menu and the day-of logistics at Longwood Gardens
Secures sponsorship for the Symposium
Manages registrations and communications with registrants
Develops and processes the attendee evaluations
Green Efforts
Another aspect of the Longwood Graduate Program is our internal Environmental Impact Team. Fellows Jon Pixler and Kate Baltzell coordinate implementation of environmentally-friendly practices for all Program activities. Here are some of the green initiatives for this year’s Symposium:
Paper Reduction:
Increased electronic advertising
Posted speaker proceedings online rather than on CDs
Posted registrant list online rather than printing
Printed brochure on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper
Used a 100% recycled paper folder for the Registration packet
Transportation:
Requested hybrid vehicles when using University of Delaware Motor Pool service
Carpooled as much as possible
Set up a rideshare option for Symposium registrants
Catering:
Compostable tableware and cutlery for all catered meals
Requested potted plants for table arrangements rather than cut flowers
2009 Longwood Graduate Program Symposium
Click here for information and pictures from last year’s Symposium,
Branching Out: Cultivating Community Engagement.
